94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate "The 2004 Cristal Rose is 70% Pinot from Ay and 30% Chardonnay from Avize. This remains a very tight, mineral-driven Cristal Rose that will require significant...

"There's a sense of tension paired with grace in this deftly balanced version, with a rich and smoky vein of minerality underscoring the flavors of poached apple, honey, financier and sun-dried black...

Description

The perfect corporate gift to celebrate an incredible year! Included in this beautiful set there are six bottles of one of the world's classic champagnes, Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2005; six "unbreakable" Taittinger branded glasses and of course, an ultra-premium heavy duty acrylic gift case that also doubles as a cooler - fill it with ice, load it onto your Blohm & Voss 120-footer and party with rappers and models this Christmas. Leather handles and brass fittings as standard.

Winemaker's Info

In general, 2005 was warm and dry. After a winter which was hard but mostly dry, spring was characterised as being very mild with a few warm periods. The flowering period ran from 15th to 19th June. After a period of concentrated rainfall towards the end of June and beginning of July, the rest of July was dominated by hot weather, and August by cool weather. The grape harvest, which began on 12th September, was spread over a long period of time, and took place in mild, damp weather. The wind picked up at the end of the harvest, which provided a healthy, abundant crop. The Chardonnays, of excellent quality, are characterised by their freshness and their mineral quality, as well as their generous, long finish, and the Pinot Noirs give very clean, vinous and ample wines.

The blend

Produced in the cellars of the former Saint-Nicaise abbey (13th century) in Reims, Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs receives all the lavish care and attention it needs to reach its peak. Every bottle of Comtes de Champagne strictly adheres to all of the following to make it such a rare luxury and the connoisseurs choice :

 The Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs cuvée is made entirely from Chardonnays from only the best vines in the prestigious Côte des Blancs.

 It is only produced when the harvest is of exceptional quality worthy of a vintage year.

 Only the wine from the first press  the Cuvée  is used: a sure guarantee of finesse.

 5% of the wines used to make it have been aged for 4 months in new oak barrels (a third of which are renewed every year), enhancing the intrinsic qualities and complexities of the final blend.

 Only after slow and patient ageing for almost 10 years in the Saint-Nicaise chalk pits (Crayères) does this cuvée of exceptional quality come out into the light.

Tasting notes

A pale yellow Champagne with very light, abundant bubbles which rise steadily to form a fine mousse. Very intense bouquet, opening with notes of pastry cream of great aromatic richness. The finish is accompanied by a few lightly toasted notes. On the palate, the attack is frank with good tension, good structure and a hint of fruit wood. The mid-palate is smooth and voluptuous, with flavours of ripe fruit such as pink grapefruit. The long, rich, complex finish is accompanied by a pleasant freshness.

The Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2005 is a very expressive champagne offering generosity, volume and complexity. It already offers a very pleasurable drinking, but its struc-ture and richness suggest that it is an interesting champagne to lay down.

Drinking suggestions

Perfect for a truly special celebration, this Champagne would also go very well with a starter based on seafood, shellfish or fish.

Shipping & Returns

We ship with Canada Post ExpressPost or Priority within British Columbia only. If you are not at home when Canada Post attempts delivery of your package, you will receive a door hanger to notify you that your package can be picked up at the postal outlet indicated on the card. Unfortunately, we are not legally allowed to ship outside of the province and packages delivered by Canada Post cannot be left on the doorstep. Packages must be received by a recipient over 19 years of age.

Within Downtown Vancouver - 1-2 business days
Outside Downtown Vancouver - 2 business days